Inverness Royal Academy - 2020-2021 Information for Parents Fiosrachadh Gu Parantan
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Inverness
Royal Academy
Newsle
2020-2021
Information for Parents
Fiosrachadh Gu Parantan
Inverness Royal Academy Page 2
Inverness Royal Academy
Prospectus
RECTOR
Mr Nigel Engstrand
The School Address
Inverness Royal Academy,Culduthel Road,
Inverness, IV2 6RE
Telephone (01463) 667800
Fax (01463) 667815 Parent Council e-mail -
E-mail ira@highland.gov.uk iraparentcouncil@gmail.com
Website www.invernessroyalacademy.org.uk/
Inverness Royal Academy
is a non-denominational, comprehensive
school, situated on the south side of the city
of Inverness. Present Roll – 1175
Stages Covered – S1 to S6
It is the Gaelic secondary school for
Inverness with a number of subjects being
taught through the medium of Gaelic.
Page 3 Inverness Royal Academy
CONTENTS
Page No. Page No.
School Information 2 School Polices and Practical Information 16
Contents Page 3 Homework 16
Welcome from the Rector 4 Data Protection Legislation 17
Welcome from the Rector in Gaelic 5 Transferring Educational Data about Pupils 17
Message from the School Captains 6 Data Policy 17
Aims of the School 7 Your Data Protection Rights 17
Historical Note 8 Administration of Medicines 18
Senior Management 9 Pupil Absence or Sickness Procedure 18
Guidance Staff 9 Pupil Illness 18
School Ethos 10 Minor Injuries 18
Curriculum 11 Mental Health and Wellbeing 18
Purposes of the Curriculum 3-18 11 Complaints Procedure 19
Principle for Curriculum Design 11 School Meals 19
Curriculum Areas 11 Educational Maintenance Allowance 19
S1/S3 Curriculum 11 School Dress 19
Progression 11 Transport 20
Transitions 11-12 Adverse Weather 20
Placing Requests 12 Access to Pupil Records 20
The Library 12 Communicating with Parents 20
Support for Pupils 13 Anti-bullying 20
Religious Education 14 Employment of Children 21
Fundraising 14 Term and Holiday Dates 21
Child Protection 15 School Rules 21
Parental Involvement 15 Organising of the School Day 21
Assessment and Reporting 16 School Improvement 22
School Polices and Practical Information 16 Attainment Data 23
Equality and Inclusion 16 Subject Departments 24-25
Military Families 16
Inverness Royal Academy Page 4
A WELCOME FROM THE RECTOR
As Rector of Inverness Royal Academy, I am delight- The success of any school is measured by the
ed to introduce you to our school and hope you will achievements of its students. At Inverness Royal
get a sense of our school culture and the high ex- Academy we believe every student can not only
pectations we set ourselves. fulfill their potential but also exceed it.
Our core values are respect, responsibility, compas- Our approach is to offer a wide variety of learning
sion, commitment and honesty and we expect our opportunities with the aim of engaging every young
young people to model these in every aspect of their person so that they are excited by learning and en-
lives. joy their time at school.
Inverness Royal Academy is a school that has an Learning is at the centre of all we do and we aim to
historic past and an exciting future. We are privi- encourage all of our young people to become inde-
leged to have held a royal warrant since 1793 and pendent, creative and confident learners.
the foundation of the school and the grammar
school that predated it were based on the ideas of One of our primary aims is to encourage each stu-
the Scottish Enlightenment which gave central im- dent to be a self-confident, inquiring, tolerant, posi-
portance to our ability to solve problems through tive young person. We hope to help develop your
the use of reason. son or daughter into a well-rounded character with
an independent mind who respects the differences
The optimistic belief in the ability of people to bring of others.
about change for the better in society and nature
holds as true for us now in the 21st century as it did By the time they leave school, we want every young
in the school in the 18th century. person to have that true sense of self-worth that
will enable them to make their mark and make a
We are very excited that in 2016 the latest chapter difference and, in doing so, to be of value to society.
in the history of this school began with the opening
of our new school building. We believe that school should be an enjoyable ex-
perience for pupils, staff and parents. We can only
The new Inverness Royal Academy provides a mod- achieve that enjoyment through setting and main-
ern 21st century learning environment capable of taining high standards, allowing us to prepare our
meeting the needs of current and future pupils, as youngsters for the lives and the world that lies
well as offering greater provision for community use ahead of them.
during the evenings and weekends.
We look forward to welcoming you and your child
The new school has a larger pupil capacity (nearly to Inverness Royal Academy and are confident that
1500 pupils) in order to accommodate housing together we can provide the best education and
growth within the catchment area and the increased range of opportunities for your son or daughter.
uptake in Gaelic Medium education.
The Additional Support Needs (A.S.N.) accommoda-
tion has been expanded in order to improve the
educational experience for A.S.N. pupils, providing a
calm and positive learning environment as well as full
access to the rest of the school.
Service and personal responsibility is expected of all
our young people and our aim is to build on our
achievements and enhance the learning of all stu-
dents through partnership with you.
We have a strong desire to build firm, open and
honest relationships with you as parents and carers
with a view to ensuring the success of your son or
daughter. Both teachers and parents have a vital role
to play in our young people’s progress.
Page 5 Inverness Royal Academy
A WELCOME FROM THE RECTOR
Tha miann mhòr againn ceanglaichean làidir agus onarach a
Mar cheannard de dh’Acadamaidh Rìoghail Inbhir Nis, dhèanamh leibhse mar phàrantan agus luchd dìona. Cu-
tha mi air leth toilichte fàilte a chur oirbh dhan sgoil idichidh seo sinn ann a bhith a’ toirt taic do ur mac no ur
againn. Tha mi an dòchas gun tog sibh blasad de chultar nighean agus an cuid soirbheachas. Tha pàirt chudromach
na sgoile às an aithisg seo agus gum faic sibh na tha sinn aig tidsearan agus aig pàrantan, ann a bhith a’ brosnachadh
uile a’ sùileachadh bhuainn fhìn. adhartas gach neach òg.
Tha sinn a’ meas urram, cùram, uallach, tuigse, earbsa Tha soirbheachadh sgoil sam bith air a thomhas le
agus onair mar feartan bunaiteach na sgoile. Tha sinn an soirbheachadh an cuid sgoilearan. Tha sinne ann an Acada-
dòchas gun nochd na buaidhean seo anns na sgoilearan maidh Rìoghail Inbhir Nis den bheachd gu bheil gach
againn anns gach pàirt dem beathan fhèin. sgoilear comasach air soirbheachadh aig ìre àrd.
Tha fìor eachdraidh aig Acadamaidh Rìoghail Inbhir Nis Tha e nar beachd raon farsainn de chothroman ionnsa-
agus chan e sin a-mhàin, tha iomadh rud cudromach ri chaidh a thairgse do na sgoilearan againn. Bidh sinn an dùil
thachairt anns na bliadhnaichean ri teachd. Tha sinn gum brosnaich seo gach sgoilear gus dèanamh nas urrainn
fortanach gu bheil Barantas Rìoghail air a bhith againn dhaibh de na làithean-sgoile aca.
bho 1793 agus bha bunachas na sgoile bho thùs
stèidhichte air feallsanachd an Soillseachadh Albannach. Tha ionnsachadh aig cridhe gach gnìomh anns an sgoil. Tha
Dh’fhàg seo sinn comasach air ar duilgheadasan sinn an dòchas a bhrosnachadh gach neach òg gu bhith nan
fhuasgladh le ciall agus gliocas. luchd-ionnsachaidh neo-eisimeileach, cinnteach agus
cruthachail.
Tha am beachd gu bheil daoine comasach air rud sam
bith atharrachadh gu ìre nas fheàrr, anns ’S e aon de na prìomh amasan againn, a chruthachadh
a’ choimhearsnachd no san àrainneachd, cheart cho fìor sgoilearan a tha cinnteach, gleusta, seasmhach agus
san 21mh linn sa bha e anns an sgoil anns an 18mh linn. misneachail. Bidh sinn an dòchas ur nighean no ur mac a
chur air an t-slighe a bhith nan inbhich uile gu lèir ciallach,
Tha e na adhbhar thoileachas dhuinn gun do ghabh sinn tuigseach agus neo-eisimeileach nam beachdan.
ceum eile ann an eachdraidh na sgoile ann an 2016 le
fosgladh an togalaich ùir. Mus fàg gach neach òg an sgoil, tha sinn airson gum bi fèin-
luach dha-rìribh aca a bheir taic dhaibh ann a bhith a’
Tha an Acadamaidh Rìoghail Inbhir Nis ùr na thogalach dèanamh deagh chomharra air an t-saoghal gus am bi e na
spaideil, goireasach, comasach air foghlam am 21mh linn àite nas fheàrr do chàich.in.am an an sgoil fhèin bhrosna-
a libhrigeadh gu soirbheachail gus taic a thoirt do chadh gach neach òg
ionnsachadh nan sgoilearan uile, san latha an-diugh agus
san am ri teachd. A bharrachd air sin, tha e na ghoireas Tha sinn den bheachd gum bu choir dhan sgoil a bhith
air leth a ghabhas cleachdadh leis a’ choimhearsnachd a’còrdadh ri sgoilearan, ri tidsearan agus ri pàrantan. Thèid
gu lèir gach feasgar agus deireadh-seachdain. againn air seo a dhèanamh le bhith a’ stèidheachadh inbhe
shònraichte anns gach raon den sgoil. Ullaichidh seo ar n-
Gabhaidh an sgoil ùr barrachd (1420 sgoilear) gus àite a òigridh airson an cuid bheathan fhèin agus airson an saogh-
thoirt do chlann na sgìre, a thuilleadh air an àireamh de al a tha romhpa.
sgoilearan a tha a’ leantainn foghlam tro mheadhan na
Gàidhlig. Tha àireamh nan sgoilearan seo a’ dol am Tha sinn a’ coimhead air adhart gu mòr ri fàilte a chur air
meud gach bliadhna. Tha barrachd rum cuideachd aig ur pàisde dhan sgoil seo agus tha sinn an dòchas gun dèan
roinn nam feumalachdan sònraichte (A.S.N.) gus eòlas- sinn an gnòthach air sàr foghlam agus gach cothrom a
sgoile nas fheàrr a thoirt do fhoghlam nan sgoilearan thoirt dhaibh nuair a tha iad còmhla rinn an seo ann an
A.S.N. Tha àrainn nas socaire aca airson sàr ionnsa- Acadamaidh Rìoghail Inbhir Nis.
chadh, a thuilleadh air a h-uile cothrom a bheir an còrr
dhen sgoil dhaibh.
Tha sinn an dùil gun gabh gach neach òg san sgoil
uallach dhaibh fhèin agus gum bi iad taiceil do dhaoine
eile. Tha sinn ag amas air ar n-euchdan a leasachadh
barrachd agus piseach a thoirt air ionnsachadh gach
sgoilear ann an co-obrachadh leibh fhèin.
Inverness Royal Academy Page 6 A NOTE FROM OUR SCHOOL CAPTAINS My personal experience of being a part of the Inverness Royal Academy has been nothing but positive and enlightening. Due to this, I have been moulded into a confident and resilient individual, overcoming personal and social issues. I have always had positive relationships with all of my teach- ers and peers and I am incredibly grateful for this. All staff members of the school are a real credit and are very much appreciated by the pupils. As our school is able to provide an array of subjects and extracurricular activ- ities, I have been able to enhance my skill set which will follow me through to further education and later life. Many pupils and teachers dedicate so much of their own time to the running of these activities and the response they get is extremely rewarding. Throughout my time in school I have pro- gressively worked closer with my guidance teacher and the other guidance staff. Due to the guidance staff being so knowledgeable, they have been extremely helpful, especially with educating pupils on how to write applica- tions for all kinds of further education. Having faced personal issues outside of school through my last year I cannot credit anyone more than my guidance teacher for the uncondi- tional support he has provided. He has been so supportive and realistic about everything and it has real- ly had an impact on the person I have become. Along with being given the opportunity to be school cap- tain, I have been able to work alongside Leanne who I have looked up to and bounced off since the age of 5 and I am extremely grateful for the partnership we've had as captains. Working with the team of deputies, house captains, prefects and the senior management team we have had a great year engaging pupils in different ways. The Inverness Royal Academy has given me the opportunity to become the per- son I am and will have a positive impact on my future. Holly Young, School Captain Throughout my time at Inverness Royal Academy, I have been afforded so many wonderful opportunities that have helped to mould me into the en- thusiastic, outgoing person that I am today. This has been – in no small part – thanks to the work of our teaching staff who have been a constant source of support and encouragement throughout my time here. This support ex- tends across the wide array of subject areas and departments open to stu- dents at our school. As well as the variety of educational pursuits on offer at the Inverness Royal Academy, there is also no shortage of extracurricular activities and clubs available to students who wish to broaden their horizons in a multitude of different domains. Many of our school’s students and staff work in cooperation with one another to run these clubs, which highlights the togetherness and community spirit on which our school is predicated. In addition to the wide range of extracurricular activities on offer, the Inverness Royal Academy also organises incredible humanitari- an excursions to Romania and Tanzania. I was fortunate enough to take part in trips to both of these countries with a group of my peers – whereupon we were given an insight into how those less privi- leged than ourselves live their lives. I truly consider these to be life-changing experiences that have made me infinitely grateful for the fact that the formative years of my life have been spent in such a warm and welcoming environment. Leanne MacIver, School Captain
Page 7 Inverness Royal Academy
At Inverness Royal Academy we strive to bring out the best in all of our pupils.
Ann an Acadamaidh Rìoghail Inbhir Nis tha sinn airson gun dèan a h-uile
sgoilear cho math ’sa ‘s urrainn.
In pursuing broad aims we intend to con- Ann a bhith a’ feuchainn ri na h-amasan
tribute significantly to the preparation of farsaing seo a choileanadh, tha sinn am
pupils for various adult roles in society, beachd cur gu mòr ri sgoilearan ulla-
namely continuing education, employment, chadh airson iomadh dreuchd inbheach
leisure, parenthood and citizenship. We sa choimhearsnachd; is iad sin foghlam
AIMS leantainneach, obair, cur-seachadan,
OF THE also hope to give them a sense of the her-
itage which stems from their Scottish and, pàrantachd agus saoranachd. Tha sinn
SCHOOL in particular, Highland environment and cuideachd an dòchas mothachadh a
from the long traditions of the school, thoirt dhaibh air an dualchas a tha ag
while at the same time fostering aware- èirigh bho àrainneachd na h-Alba, gu h-
ness of the place of our society in the wid- àraidh àrainneachd na Gàidhealtachd
agus, cuideachd, bho eachdraidh na
er international community.
All of our work is underpinned by our sgoile. Aig an aon àm tha sinn airson an
core values: respect, compassion, respon- dèanamh mothachail air an àithe a tha
againn anns a’ choimearsnachd eadar-
sibility, commitment and honesty.
nàiseanta.
Inverness Royal Academy Page 8
HISTORICAL NOTE
Inverness Royal Academy was founded in 1792, when it replaced the town Grammar School. The
Grammar School, which had been located since about 1668 in the building now known as the Dunbar
Centre, appears to have developed directly from an earlier school which began with the founding of a
Dominican Priory in the Friars Street area of the town in about 1223. Thus the Academy stands at
the modern end of an educational development which reaches back over more than seven centuries.
In 1793 a Royal Charter was obtained from taken up and the present design eventually agreed,
King George III and, as Inverness Royal Acade- when the arms were matriculated with the Lord
my, the school operated on the Academy Lyon King of Arms in 1933. The Crown represents
Street site until 1895, in which year it moved the ‘Royal’ in the title of
to Midmills Road in the Crown area of the the Academy; the cat-o-
town. With various additions, this building mountain is part of the
housed the Academy until August 1977 when Arms of Clan MacKin-
part of the school moved to the new building tosh, one of whose
at Culduthel. For two sessions it was neces- members was a leading
sary to use the buildings at both Midmills and director of the school in
Culduthel, but in August 1979 the school its early days; the drom-
moved fully to a site at Culduthel where it is edary and elephant are
now located. A replacement building, the from the Arms of Inver-
fourth one for the school, was opened at this ness, recognising the
site in Autumn 2016. close relationship there
has always been be-
In 1892, the year of the Academy’s centenary, tween the town and the
the Rector, George Bruce, suggested that the school; the book and
school should have a badge. This idea was the burning torch indi-
cate a place of learning.
The school’s motto ‘LABORE ET VIRTUTE’ is best translated as
‘WORK AND EXCELLENCE’.
A number of features have been incorpo- The school bell and the bust of Hector Fraser
rated from the old Academy buildings. We are both linked with the former Grammar
have War Memorial boards commemorating School. The bell, in a display case at Reception,
the former pupils and staff who served in the was gifted by Hector Fraser, who was the Rector
First and Second World Wars. These are of the Grammar School in 1756. In 1793 it was
located in the Theatre. moved from that School to the Academy Street
Boards containing the names of the Gold site, then to the Midmills site, then on to the old
Medallists (Dux) Winners from 1811 to Culduthel building and now in the present
1972, and the Howden Medal winners for building.
Service from 1922 to 1979 are also displayed The bust of Hector Fraser is on display in the
in the Theatre along with the names of the Library.
most recent winners.
Page 9 Inverness Royal Academy
Inside Story Headline
SENIOR MANAGEMENT
We have a senior management team of six people:
Mr Alex Gunn Mr Robin Fyfe Mrs Julie MacLennan
Mrs Bridget Reid Mr Gordon Piper Mr Nigel Engstrand
GUIDANCE
STAFF Mr Graeme Macdonald
Each pupil is allocated a Mr Malcolm Turner
Guidance teacher when he
or she starts our school.
This is your child’s Named
Person. His/her Guidance
teacher stays with them
throughout their time at the
school, will watch their
progress, give advice about
school work, subject choices,
Mrs Gillian Davies Mrs Maire O’Boyle Mr Stephen Trinder
future careers and help with
any personal difficulties.
Parents should contact the
Guidance teacher with any
matter relating to their child.
Inverness Royal Academy
Page 10
SCHOOL ETHOS
The ethos of a school can be defined by its core values which are fundamental to everything it does as a
learning community. Our values of Commitment, Compassion, Honesty, Respect & Responsibility should
both permeate the day-to-day operation and set the context for future planning and strategy.
At Inverness Royal Academy we have a well established, student-centered ethos of which we are proud.
It has ensured that generations of young people have enjoyed a highly positive and successful educational
experience. It will also ensure that our current and future students can be encouraged to achieve their
very best. The ethos of our school is underpinned by our Core Values .
Respect
Responsibility
Compassion
Commitment
HonestyPage 11 Inverness Royal Academy
CURRICULUM
PURPOSES OF THE CURRICULUM 3-18
The curriculum at Inverness Royal Academy will provide the
structure and support in learning which will develop the four
capacities which are: Confident Individuals, Effective Contribu-
tors, Responsible Citizens and Successful Learners.
Useful Links- Highland Council
www.npfs.org.uk
PROGRESSION
CURRICULUM AREAS At the end of S3 pupils will progress to a course
leading onto a qualification at National 3, Na-
The curriculum areas are the organisers for setting out
tional 4 or National 5.
the experiences and outcomes. In drawing up the experi- At the end of S4 pupils could choose from the
ences and outcomes, learning in each curriculum area has
following progression routes:
been reviewed and updated to emphasise the contribu- • A pupil achieving National 3 may progress to
tions it can make to developing the four capacities. National 4
The curriculum areas are: • A pupil achieving National 4 may progress to
• Expressive arts National 5
• Health and wellbeing • A pupil achieving National 5 may progress to
• Languages Higher
• Mathematics The Pupil Support Team and specialist subject staff
• Religious and moral education will do their best to help you and your child to
• Sciences make the choices best suited to the abilities, inter-
• Social studies ests and the future plans of your child.
• Technologies
Curriculum areas are not just for timetabling and we have
the freedom to think imaginatively about how the experi-
ences and outcomes might be organised and planned for TRANSITIONS
in creative ways which encourage deep, sustained learning The move from primary to secondary can, in
and which meet the needs of our children. Subjects are some cases, be a daunting prospect for both
an essential feature of our curriculum, providing an im- parents and pupils. We try to make this transi-
portant and familiar structure for knowledge, enabling tion as smooth as possible by close liaison with
subject teachers to inspire, stretch and motivate pupils. our feeder primaries, well in advance of the ac-
tual transfer. This can be as far ahead as two
S1/S3 CURRICULUM years where enhanced input is required. Parents
In S1/S2 all pupils follow a broad general education (BGE). have the opportunity of meeting the Head
Pupils continue into S3 with a broad general education Teacher and Depute Rector at Information Eve-
which includes opportunities for personalisation and nings held in the primary school in January or
choice. The curricular area choice at the end of S2 ena- early February each year. Pupils also attend sec-
bles pupil entitlement to all third and fourth level experi- ondary school for three days in June prior to
ences and outcomes to be met. As S3 pupils move into transfer in August. Parents are always welcome
the senior phase and national qualifications it will be nec- to contact the school to arrange a mutually con-
essary, to allow sufficient hours of study, to reduce the venient time to visit the school.
number of subjects studied from the 8 studied in S3. At each stage of your child’s progression
through secondary education, you will be con-
PRINCIPLES FOR sulted on the right choices for your child and
CURRICULUM DESIGN you are encouraged to actively engage in this
Challenge and enjoyment process. Meetings will be held to highlight the
opportunities open to your child when choosing
Breadth subjects as they move through the early years to
Progression the senior years of secondary education.
Depth
Personalisation and choice
Coherence
RelevancePage 12 Inverness Royal Academy
TRANSITIONS
When it is time for them to move on
their working lives.
to employment or further education Opportunities for All is a commitment
they will be guided through this pro- by the Scottish Government to offer a
cess and given all the necessary infor- place in learning or training to every 16
mation to make informed choices. -19 year old who is currently not in
Joan Duncan is our Careers Adviser education, employment or training.
from Skills Development Scotland. Highland Council has a lead role in re-
She offers support to pupils leaving spect of Opportunities for All whilst
school including careers advice, finan- young people are still in school . The
cial advice, further education and post long term aim is to enable all young
16+ learning choices. people to access and progress, where
possible into eventual employment.
The strategic aim of Skills Develop- Information about local opportunities is
ment Scotland is to equip individuals listed on the hi-hope.org website to
with the skills to make well informed,
support 16+ planning.
realistic career decisions throughout
PLACING REQUESTS
Each school serves its own particular catchment If pupils live outwith the school catchment area
area. Pupils whose homes are located in that area and their parents wish them to attend Inverness
will have priority in being allocated a place in the Royal Academy they can contact the Rector, Mr
school. However, parents have the right to specify Engstrand to arrange a visit.
the school in which they wish to place their child.
Application must be made to the Area Education Parents of children with additional support needs,
Manager, Highland Council, Glenurquhart Road, (including those that have Coordinated Support
Inverness, IV3 5NS. Plans) can make placing requests to any school in
Placing request forms can be obtained from http:// Scotland including schools outside of the local
www.highland.gov.uk/learninghere/schools/ authority area they live in. All appeals about plac-
informationforparents/ ing requests to special schools will be referred to
the Additional Support Needs Tribunal.
Transportation to and from school, for placing re
quest pupils, is a parental responsibility.
THE LIBRARY
The library is staffed Through the Public The library offers
by a qualified librarian Library system pupils access to the inter-
and is open all day can access a wide range net and programmes
other than the first 15 of online newspaper for revision and
minutes of lunch. The databases and other study. There is also
library’s computer research materials. The a careers library with
system is connected school library is well a comprehensive
to the Public Library stocked with a range of range of college and
network. This means books, magazines, university prospec-
pupils will automatical- newspapers, audio tus.
ly join the Public and books and DVDs.
School Library when
they start at the
school.Inverness Royal Academy Page 13
SUPPORT FOR PUPILS
The aim of the Support Team is to ensure that the pu- Additional Support Needs has special responsi-
pils are fully supported to allow them to reach their full bility for existing pupils with Individual Educa-
potential, both in and out of school. The Team is led by tion Plans (IEP), Additional Support Plans (ASP)
Mr Fyfe, Depute Rector, and he is supported by five and Coordinated Support Plans (CSP). The Pu-
Principal Teachers (Guidance) and one Principal Teach- pil Support Team (ASN) works with all subject
er Learning Support, Mrs Blair. Each Principal Teacher departments to ensure that all young people at
(Guidance) is responsible for one of the five houses: Inverness Royal Academy make good progress.
Glamaig - Mr Turner; Lomond - Mr Macdonald; Nevis - The Principal Teacher consults with primary
Mrs O’Boyle; Slioch - Mr Trinder and Wyvis - Mrs Da- colleagues, the DHT, the Educational Psycholo-
vies. They are responsible for the Pastoral, Curricular gist and Pupil Support Managers to identify and
and Vocational care of the pupils within that House. support pupils with special educational needs.
During a pupil’s school career, they will be interviewed Pupils’ work is supported and monitored
at least once per session by their Principal Teacher Pu- throughout first to sixth years. Special arrange-
pil Support. Where any problems have become appar-
ments
ent, the pupil should make contact with the Principal for formal testing and SQA examinations are
Teacher, who is also the designated person for parents negotiated and provided using readers and
to contact. Their role is also to help with any personal
scribes.
problems or worries and to be the first line of contact The PT, together with her team of learning sup-
between school and home. They are also your child’s port teachers and classroom assistants, works
Named Person and parents are encouraged to get to cooperatively with classroom teachers to sup-
know them and to keep the school informed of anything
port vulnerable pupils with their learning.
affecting their child’s progress. Progress is always being monitored. The sup-
While the Principal Teacher will liaise closely with port team responds quickly to problems with
school staff, there may be situations where other agen- learning and behaviour. Timetables are under
cies may be asked for advice/assistance and this will be constant review and change in response to pu-
in line with GIRFEC procedures. A considerable pils’ needs as they are identified. To raise attain-
amount of the Principal Teacher’s time is devoted to ment in language and numeracy, identified first
teaching Personal and Social Education. Information and and second year pupils have access to a learning
advice on school courses and links to careers are ex- programme that consolidates basic skills in
plained and discussed. The advice will be based on a reading, writing and mathematics. The support
realistic appraisal of the pupil’s prospects and considera- team assist at intervals and lunchtimes in the
tions of their career aspirations. CORE. They keep a friendly eye to ensure all
The pupils will also receive advice and assistance on pupils behave responsibly and are kept safe and
completing application forms for the workplace/
feel secure.
colleges/universities and interview techniques. A wide
range of Health and Social Issues are also covered with-
in the programme.
It is the responsibility of all staff in Inverness Royal
Academy to meet the learning needs of all pupils. Meet-
ing additional support needs is therefore an inclusive,
whole school system co-ordinated by the Head Teach-
er. Mr Fyfe, Depute Head, oversees support for pupils
with additional support needs in conjunction with the
Principal Teacher.Inverness Royal Academy Page 14
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Schools are obliged by law to have Religious own beliefs rather than promote any one de-
Education in their curriculum. nomination or faith. Parents have the right to
request withdrawal of a pupil from Religious
In this school the approach to the subject is Education classes or from an Assembly involving
essentially non-denominational. The intention religious observance. In fact this request is very
is to give pupils some understanding of religious seldom made. Any parents wishing to exercise
thought and experience and of the influence of the right to withdraw should put the request in
religious faith on the life of individuals in our writing to the Rector. The alternative on offer is
own and other societies. unsupervised study.
In addition we have Assemblies throughout the
year, some of which are led by one of the Chap-
lains. Our Assemblies promote widely accepted
values and encourage pupils to reflect on their
FUNDRAISING
The school community comes together throughout
the year to raise funds for various charities.
Noted below are some of the charities who have
benefited this year.
MacMillan £928
STV Breakfast Appeal £818
BBC Children in Need £921
Save the Children £491
Alzheimer Scotland £907
Fight Plastic £623
Our sponsored walk in September 2019 raised
£18741 for school funds
Fund Raising Event for the
Highland HospicePage 15 Inverness Royal Academy
CHILD PROTECTION ‘It’s everyone’s job to
make sure I’m alright’
From time to time incidents can occur are obliged to make the welfare of chil-
Agencies offering addition-
within the school setting which cause dren their paramount consideration and
al advice:
concern and could indicate that a pupil is this will be the priority for Education
suffering some form of abuse. Service staff. Scottish Independent Ad-
More information about Child Protection vocacy Alliance (SIAA)
In terms of Highland Child Protection Procedures can be obtained from Robin http://www.siaa.org.uk/
Committee Inter-agency Protection Fyfe, Depute Rector or the Child Protec-
Guidelines, Education Service staff have tion Development Officer, Highland Child Scottish Child Law Centre
to report such incidents to Social Work Protection Committee, Kinmylies Building, http://www.sclc.org.uk/
Services which can lead to a joint Social Leachkin Road, Inverness IV3 8NN - tele-
My Rights, My Say
Work/Police investigation. phone (01463) 703483 - fax (01463)
http://enquire.org.uk/
713237. myrightsmysay
All agencies involved in Child Protection
Useful Link - Highland Council:-
http://www.highland.gov.uk/info/1361/childcare_and_family_care/438/child_protection
Children 1st:-
https://www.children1st.org.uk/help-for-families/parentline-scotland
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
As parents and carers, you are all members of the Par- Please do check the Parent Council webpage (on the
ent Forum, our role as Parent Council is to represent school’s website) in case these dates change.
your views. We actively encourage parents and carers
to support the school in its work with pupils to maxim-
ise their educational achievements and to participate in The positive input of parents and carers is vital in en-
events and activities in the school calendar. Inverness suring the best possible educational experience for our
Royal Academy Parent Council is one of the methods students. Throughout your child’s time in this school
of engaging and promoting contact between school, you will have the opportunity to attend Parents Meet-
parents, pupils and the community. The Chair Person ings, Information Evenings, social gatherings and other
of the Parent Council is John Mills. activities which are all intended to enhance the part-
nership between home and school.
Your Parent Council representatives can be contacted
If at any time you would like to share any of your
by e-mail - iraparentcouncil@gmail.com
child’s achievements we would be delighted to hear
Please email if you would like to be added to the email
from you. Equally, should you have any areas of con-
list. You can receive the papers from meetings and hear
cern please do not hesitate to contact the school of-
what we are up to even if you are not able to come
fice or your child’s Guidance teacher, as often a small
along to meetings. Meetings usually run from 7pm to
anxiety can be resolved quickly and easily before it
8/8.30pm in the staff room.
manifests into a more serious matter. For urgent con-
All parents and carers are very, very welcome to
cerns we would hope that a member of the Senior
all our meetings (we do a nice cup of tea and even a
Management or Guidance teams would be able to deal
biscuit or two).
with your query at short notice. However, it may not
be possible to see your child’s Year Head or Guidance
Proposed meeting dates are:
Teacher without arranging an appointment.
AGM September 2020
Autumn Meeting September 2020
Winter Meeting November 2020
First Spring Meeting January 2021
Second Spring Meeting March 2021
Useful Link - Highland Council:-
First Summer Meeting April 2021
https://education.gov.scot/parentzone/
Second Summer Meeting June 2021Inverness Royal Academy Page 16
ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING
ASSESSMENT
For all pupils assessment is based on a mixture of con- These take the form of a booklet containing individual
tinuous assessment (coursework), tests carried out reports for each subject as well as information on at-
during class time and more formal examinations. tendance and punctuality.
Prelim examinations for S4 are held in December, S5 The reports are issued with a Return Sheet. This
should be completed by parents/carers and returned
and S6 are in January/February.
to school confirming the parent/carer has received the
REPORTS TO PARENTS report.
Progress reports are issued to parents once per ses- As well as the full reports mentioned above, we regu-
larly monitor the progress and performance of all our
sion as follows:
pupils. This allows an interim tracking report to be
issued to each pupil as an earlier indication of progress.
1st Year: May
2nd Year: March Interim reports are issued as follows:
3rd Year: May
4th Year: January S1, 2, 3: December
5th & 6th Year: February S4, 5, 6: October
Useful link: Useful Links—https://education.gov.scot/
https://www.highland.gov.uk/info/886/schools- parentzone/learning-in-scotland/assessment-and
additional_support_needs/833/armed_forces -achievment
SCHOOL POLICIES AND PRACTICAL INFORMATION
EQUALITY AND INCLUSION to working with you to ensure a smooth transi-
tion for your child coming into or moving on
Our activities in school should ensure that we eliminate from our school. Please get in touch with us as
unlawful discrimination, advance equality of opportunity soon as you can so we can work with you to
and promote good relations. Activities should not dis- ensure the transition is as smooth as possible.
criminate against any of the following ‘protected char- Highland Council have proudly committed to the
acteristics’: Armed Forces Covenant and as such support our
veteran and reservist families as well as those
• Age currently serving. There is a dedicated Highland
• Disability Council Military Liaison Group (MLG) which has
been formed to promote and ensure equality for
• Race
• Religion or belief your children in their education.
If you have any concerns, please get in touch with
• Sex your child’s named person (usually their Guid-
• Sexual Orientation
ance Teacher) or the Head Teacher.
• Gender reassignment
HOMEWORK
Supporting aims to improve pupil attainment and per-
formance of pupils with ‘protected characteristics’, par- Your child can expect homework throughout
ticularly those experiencing poverty and deprivation. their time at school as it is an important part of
Meeting the needs of children who have experienced school work and they must make an honest at-
interrupted learning; young carers, children with ASN tempt to complete it. He/she will be issued with a
and children from military families. Homework Diary in which to record work re-
quired and the date due. You can check to see
MILITARY FAMILIES that it is being used, If your child has tried to
complete the homework but finds that they can-
Our school welcomes and supports families and their not do the task please sign the work and the
children from Forces families: serving, veteran and re- teacher will explain it to them the next time they
servists. We understand some of the challenges that
have that subject.
mobility of service life can bring and we look forward
Useful link:
http://www.highland.gov.uk/info/751/equality_diversity_and_citizenship/313/equal_opportunitiesInverness Royal Academy Page 17
SCHOOL POLICIES AND PRACTICAL INFORMATION
DATA PROTECTION LEGISLATION DATA POLICY
Information on pupils, parents and guardians is stored Information about pupils’ education is collected
on a computer system and may be used for teaching, through our statistical surveys in partnership be-
registration, assessment and other administrative du- tween the Scottish Government and Local Au-
ties. The information is protected by data protection thorities through the ScotXed Programme, which
legislation and may only be disclosed in accordance aims to help schools and Local Authorities by
with the codes of practice. supporting efficient collection, processing and
dissemination of statistical information. The
TRANSFERRING EDUCATIONAL DATA Scottish Government then provides analysis of
the data to support research, planning, manage-
ABOUT PUPILS ment and monitoring of education services as
well as to produce National Statistics publica-
The Scottish Government and its partners collect and
tions.
use information about pupils through the Pupil Census Education data within Scottish Government is
to help and improve education across Scotland. This managed effectively by secure systems and is ex-
note explains why we need this information, how we ploited as a valuable corporate resource, subject
use it and what we do to protect the information sup- to confidentiality restraints. As part of its data
plied to us. Further information can be obtained from policy, Scottish Government will not publish or
http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Statistics/ScotXed. make publicly available any information that al-
lows individual pupils to be identified, nor will
Data about pupil preferred routes, occupations and data be used by Scottish Government to take any
anticipated school leaving date is also collected from actions in respect of individuals. Data is held
S3/S4 to support planning for leaving school. This in- securely and no information on individual pupils
formation is shared with Skills Development Scotland. can or would be made publicly available by Scot-
Further information about 16+ Data can be found here: tish Government.
The individual data collected by Scottish Govern-
http://hi-hope.org/directory/listing/16plus-planning ment through the Pupil Census is used for statis-
tical and research purposes only.
Useful Links Useful Links
https://www.highland.gov.uk/info/878/ https://www.highland.gov.uk/directory record
In order to make the best decisions about how to YOUR DATA PROTECTION
improve our education service, Scottish Government,
education authorities and other partners such as the RIGHTS
SQA and Skills Development Scotland need accurate, The collection, transfer, processing and sharing
up-to-date data about our pupils. We are keen to of ScotXed data is done in accordance with data
help all our pupils do well in all aspects of school life protection legislation. We also comply with the
and achieve better examination results. Accurate and National Statistics Code of Practice require-
up-to-date data allows us to: ments and other legislation related to safeguard-
• Plan and deliver better policies for the benefit ing the confidentiality of data. Data protection
of all pupils. legislation gives you the right to know how we
• Plan and deliver better policies for the benefit use your data. This note can give only a brief
of specific groups of pupils. description of how we use data. Fuller details of
• Better understand some of the factors which each individual ScotXed survey, including the
influence pupil attainment and achievement. purpose of each and the published data can be
• Share good practice. found on the ScotXed website:
• Target resources better.
• Enhance the quality of research to improve the http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Statistics/ScotXed/
lives of young people in Scotland. School/EducationPage 18 Inverness Royal Academy
SCHOOL POLICIES AND PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINES service they need in the way most appropriate to
their personal circumstances.
National Guidance on the Administration of Medicines Where appropriate, we will make arrangements
in Schools has been issued by the Scottish Govern- for staff providing healthcare to pupils to receive
ment. appropriate training from a health professional ,
or other accredited source in the care they are
https://www.gov.scot/publications/supporting-children-
providing.
young-people-healthcare-needs-schools/ Assistance with intimate care may be needed by
children in any school and this will be provided if
This guidance is based on a number of common princi- required to support these needs quickly and with
ples that will be consistently applied when identifying,
respect for children’s privacy, dignity and rights.
supporting and reviewing the healthcare needs of chil- If your child requires medication, please note that
dren and young people in Highland schools to enable this will only be administered by staff when there
them to make the most of their learning. is clear written guidance from a parent/carer,
Under Article 24 of the United Nations convention on
providing:
the Rights of the Child, all children have a right to the
highest attainable standard of health and to health care • The name of the medicine, the quantity of
services that help them attain this. Article 7 of the the medicine to be given, the time it has to
United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons
be given.
with Disabilities states that children with disabilities • As far as possible, prescriptive medication
have the right to express their views freely on all mat- should be given at home by parents/carers.
ters affecting them. The arrangements for each individ- If it is required to be given in school, the
ual will therefore take account of the health profes- medication should be unopen, clearly
sionals’ advice, the pupil’s views and, where appropri- marked with the directions from the phar-
ate, their parent’s views. macist and administered as part of an
NHS Highland, Highland Council and school staff will
work collaboratively to ensure that pupils receive the agreed medical protocol.
PUPIL ABSENCE OR SICKNESS PROCE-
MINOR INJURIES
DURE School will only deal with minor cuts and
Good attendance is vital if pupils are to achieve their full bruises, these will be cleaned and a plaster
potential. In the event of any known absences please con-
applied.
tact the school in writing giving the reason for your child’s
absence and the dates applicable. In the event of unex-
pected absences please phone the school office on 01463 MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING
Staff will support the emotional development
667800 each day your child is absent from school. of pupils through informal and curricular ac-
If a pupil needs to leave school during the day for an ap- tivities. Any concerns about a pupil’s wellbe-
pointment, they should bring a note with them from a ing can be discussed with your child’s Named
parent or guardian. Pupils must sign out when leaving Person, their Guidance Teacher. We have
school or arriving/returning later than 8.40am. access to the Highland Council’s Primary
Mental Health Worker Service and consulta-
If you are considering taking your child out of school for a tion and advice may be sought if there are
family holiday please be aware that this should be con- concerns that might require more targeted
firmed in writing to the Head Teacher. Under the Guid- support. As Parents, you would generally be
ance issued at a national level, most family holidays will be involved in discussions beforehand however a
recorded as unauthorised absence. pupil over the age of 12 can ask for support
themselves.
PUPIL ILLNESS
If a child falls ill during the day, parents are contacted for
them to collect their child, therefore it is essential that we
have up to date day time contact numbers and
emergency contact numbers for all pupils.Inverness Royal Academy Page 19
SCHOOL POLICIES AND PRACTICAL INFORMATION
COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE any specific information please do not hesitate to
Most contact with parents and pupils takes the form
of queries or comments rather than complaints. contact the school.
Almost all issues are resolved and are not logged as Telephone (01463) 667800
complaints. However, if a matter is not resolved, a Fax (01463) 667815
parent can make a formal complaint by contacting E-mail ira@highland.gov.uk
their child’s Named Person, this would be their Website www.invernessroyalacademy.org.uk
Guidance Teacher or the Senior Management Team
Please note that transport is not a school responsi-
for more serious issues. The school will respond to
bility and any queries should be addressed to the
the parent within a reasonable time. Transport Development Officer, Highland Council,
Inverness Royal Academy has adopted many of the Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, IV3 5NX, or
Highland Council Policies but should you require public.transport@highland.gov.uk
Useful Link : Highland Council —www.highland.gov.uk
EDUCATION MAINTENANCE
SCHOOL MEALS ALLOWANCE (EMA)
The school meal service offers nu- meals and improves the overall An EMA is a weekly payment
tritionally balanced, well presented quality of the school meal expe- worth up to £30 for pupils who
food in an environment that is safe, rience. are planning to say on at school
well ordered and sensitive to the If a pupil has special dietary for a minimum of 21 learning
needs of pupils in order that they needs, please inform the school. hours per week. In session
may enjoy the lunchtime social ex- Free school meals can be 2020/2021 pupils born between
perience. Inverness Royal Academy claimed in certain circumstances. 1st March 2001 and 30th Septem-
operates the cashless system which For more information and appli- ber 2004 can receive payments
creates a unique meal account for cation form, please see the link from August 2020. Pupils born
every pupil. Pupils can access their below. Application forms are between 1st October 2004 and
meal accounts using a unique per- also available from the school 28th February 2005 can receive
sonalised PIN. reception. payments from January 2021. Fur-
This system for school meals helps ther information on full eligibility
reduce queuing, provides anonymity criteria and the online application
for those receiving free school process can be obtained from the
school.
Useful Links:
http://www.highland.gov.uk/info/878/schools/9/school_meals/2
http://www.highland.gov.uk/learninghere/grantsandallowances/ema/
SCHOOL DRESS
Black or white shirt, school tie black blazer with the school badge Items of school dress bearing the
and black non branded knitwear. but this will be optional. Pupils school badge can be purchased
For those who would like to con- should come to school in black from
tinue wearing the school badge footwear i.e. conventional black
you will be able to purchase a school shoes. However in an at- Gilmour Sports
black jumper or cardigan with the tempt to keep costs as low as pos- 57 Harbour Road
crest and wear this with a shirt sible, trainers which are completely Inverness, IV1 1UF
and school tie. Black skirt or black will be acceptable. Black and Tel. No. 01463 222022
trousers. (Black jeans, black leg- white or any other colour will not
gings and black shorts will not be be acceptable.
accepted as school uniform.). Pupils
will also be encouraged to wear aPage 20 Inverness Royal Academy
SCHOOL POLICIES AND PRACTICAL INFORMATION
TRANSPORT ADVERSE WEATHER
Most pupils walk or cycle to school. Bikes should Occasionally in the winter, adverse weather can cause
be kept in the lockable bike sheds. Parents using parents concern. If you are uncertain that the School
the drop off zone should take extreme care, the will be open, please listen to the local radio stations.
area can be very congested. We also have a telephone information service to give
you up to date information about school closure. Call
Highland Council provides free transport for pupils 0870 054 6999, then enter the school pin: 041100. Any
living more than 3 miles from the school and living closure announcement is made through them. Please
in our catchment. Season tickets for public service do not telephone the School first thing in the morning to
buses from Foyers and Whitebridge are supplied check if we will be opening as this blocks the switch-
through the Education Office, Unit4C, Dalfaber board causing difficulties for senior staff trying to resolve
Industrial Estate, Aviemore. Details of all bus ser- staffing in adverse weather. In November each year we
vices are available from the bus station at Farraline issue a letter giving detailed instructions to parents of
Park. pupils travelling from our landward area during adverse
weather.
We expect pupils to behave sensibly on the buses
and the co-operation of parents is essential to ACCESS TO PUPIL RECORDS
achieve this. The Pupils’ Educational Records (Scotland) Regulations
2003 extend to parents the right of access to any record
Useful Highland Council Link for School
held in relation to their child. Information we hold is
Transport:-
http://www.highland.gov.uk/info/878/ protected by data protection legislation.
schools/12/school_transport The Scottish Government collect and use information
about pupils through the Pupil Census to help improve
Useful Highland Council Link :–
education across Scotland. Further information can be
www.highland.gov.uk/schoolclosures obtained from www.gov.scot/topics/statistics/
scotxed
COMMUNICATION WITH The individual data collected by Scottish Government
PARENTS/GUARDIANS through the Pupil Census is used for statistical and re-
Depending upon the nature of the communication,
search purposes only.
we use various methods to make contact with par- Information on why we collect data about pupils and
ents and guardians. These include:- school bag mail, who we share this data with can be found in Highland
mail, telephone, text, website, email, twitter and Council’s Privacy Notice which is available here;
facebook. www.highland.gov.uk/directoryrecord/1095920/
enrolyourchildataschool
ANTI-BULLYING
We are aware that bullying, in - establishing procedures for should tell someone.
its various forms, can cause dealing with incidences of bully-
anxiety and unhappiness for ing If you have concerns you The
those subjected to it and we - inviting the co-operation of should phone the appropriate basic
have developed a policy and parents as appropriate. Guidance teacher or a mem- message
procedures to help prevent ber of the senior manage- is,
and, where necessary, deal The basic message is, “if you are ment team. Bullying, racism “if you are
positively with the problem. being bullied, tell someone”. and victimisation of any kind being
Essentially this involves: is not acceptable. bullied,
- alerting staff to the need for Racist behaviour of any kind is tell
vigilance; not acceptable and will not be The school adheres to the someone”.
- advising pupils on appropri- tolerated. We have a school Highland Council Bullying &
ate action if threatened policy which deals with both the Positive Relationships Policy.
- using opportunities within perpetrator and the victim. If
the curriculum to lead pupils your child is on the receiving end
to understand the unaccepta- of racist behaviour, or if they
bility of bullying behaviour witness racist behaviour, he/sheInverness Royal Academy Page 21
SCHOOL POLICIES AND PRACTICAL INFORMATION
SCHOOL RULES
EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN
The employment of children bylaws regulate the types of * You should arrive punctually for school and all
occupation in which children under school leaving age your classes.
may be employed and other conditions of employment. * You must not leave school during the school day
without permission.
For further information please see: * You must bring a note of explanation from your
http://www.highland.gov.uk/downloads/ parents or guardians if you have been absent.
download/19/employment_of_children * Follow the instructions of staff regarding your be-
haviour, schoolwork and homework.
* Take care of the school – don’t drop litter, damage
or deface the building or furniture in any way.
* Carry your school books, folders and jotters in a
TERM AND HOLIDAY DATES 2020—2021 suitable bag, and generally take care of all things is-
FOR PUPILS sued to you by the school.
* Behave in a way which allows everyone to be safe
School Opens School Closes and comfortable – bullying, stealing, gambling, smok-
Tuesday 18.08.20 Friday 09.10.20 ing, consumption of alcohol or unlawful drug taking
Monday 26.10.20 Friday 22.12.20 are all strictly prohibited.
Monday 06.01.21 Friday 02.04.21 * Don’t bring anything to school which might be a
Tuesday 19.04.21 Thursday 01.07.21 danger to yourself or others.
* Fighting or rowdy behaviour is not allowed.
Holidays: Monday/Tuesday 15,16 February 2021 * If you are unwell you should go to the Medical
Monday 3 May 2021 Suite on the Ground Floor and report to Ms McClurg
or seek assistance from another member of staff.
In addition there will be the following In-Service You should not go into the Medical Suite unless told
days this year when the school is closed to pupils. to by a member of staff.
* Mobile phones etc must be switched off during
Monday 17 August 2020: Monday 14, Tuesday 15 class time unless otherwise stated by a class teacher.
September 2020: Wednesday 17 February 2021: * Pupils are expected to comply with the school
Thursday 6 May 2021 dress code. If you fail to comply with school dress
code you will be unable to attend extra curricular
Please refer to the Highland Council activities. If you choose to dress inappropriately you
Website where you will find term dates for 3 years may be sent home.
http://www.highland.gov.uk/learninghere/schools/
schooltermdates/
Structure of Week
Monday to Thursday
ORGANISATION OF SCHOOL DAY Friday
Pupils move from one subject room to another Registration 0840 - 0850 Registration 0840 - 850
as required.
Occasionally it may be necessary to depart from Period 1 0850 - 0940 Period 1 0850 - 0940
these hours and prior notification will normally Period 2 0940 - 1030 Period 2 0940 - 1030
be given. Period 3 1030 - 1120 Period 3 1030 - 1120
In winter a letter is issued to parents explaining
procedures if the weather forces pupils to be Interval 1120 -1135 Interval 1120 - 1135
sent home. Period 4 1135 - 1225 Period 4 1135 - 1225
Period 5 1225 - 1315
Lunch 1315 - 1400
Period 6 1400 - 1450
Period 7 1450 - 1540You can also read
